99: Chapter 99 Spring Equinox

Chapter 100: Spring Equinox (Bonus chapter for Guangyin Nike!)

After the Start of Spring, the frost and snow on Baili Mountain finally melted away.

New grass sprouted on both sides of the mountain path, and the herb fields on Qinggeng Slope gained a bit more moist spring air.

Jiang Xingshi stood in the main hall of the ancestral residence.

Before him lay the Jiang Family family genealogy enshrined on the table, its pages already opened. The ink glowed deeply, and among the ten name slots, one more was gradually lighting up.

Lin Suwen stood on his left.

She had just broken through her cultivation barrier a few days ago, and her complexion was much better than before, with a layer of abundant spiritual essence between her brows that only a Middle Stage Cultivator would possess.

Jiang Shoushan stood on his right, as taciturn as ever, dressed in grey robes with his hair tied back, not revealing a shred of aura.

Jiang Xingshi looked at his name on the genealogy page, his fingertips curling slightly.

Jiang Xingshi.

When these three characters fell onto the family genealogy, he felt a sudden clarity deep within his spiritual platform.

His originally somewhat chaotic thoughts were suddenly brushed by a layer of clear light. Many sentences he had read before but only remembered on paper now carried a bit of real weight.

Spring Equinox.

Day and night are equal, Yin and Yang are balanced.

Although he had not yet officially started gathering Qi, he vaguely understood in his heart what the path he would walk in the future looked like.

Grain Rain emphasizes nourishing things, knowing the subtle, and hiding one's edge.

Spring Equinox, however, emphasizes balance.

Neither losing impartiality, nor striving to be first, nor falling behind.

Just as Jiang Chengning had said on the day he handed over the Family affairs to him.

The Jiang Family needs sharp edges and geniuses, but it also needs someone who sits at the desk, slowly sorting out every single matter.

That night, Jiang Chengning returned the choice to him.

Jiang Xingshi thought for a long time.

In the end, he chose Spring Equinox.

The next day, Jiang Chengning sent someone to the marketplace to exchange the prepared Grain Rain spiritual resources for Spring Equinox spiritual resources.

The Family account book emptied out a bit more, and several array patterns that were originally planned to be repaired were put on hold.

The Jiang Family's current foundation could not afford such tossing and turning.

Lin Suwen had broken through to the fourth level of Qi Gathering, already using up quite a few spiritual resources and Medicinal Pills.

Jiang Chengning was in seclusion to break through to the Middle Stage, which also required another prepared portion.

Between the Early Stage and the Middle Stage, there is naturally a minor barrier.

The first three levels of Qi Gathering are only considered guiding Qi into the body; the Spiritual Qi travels through the Meridians, but the Physical Body is only slightly better than a Mortal's.

Upon reaching the fourth level of Qi Gathering, the blood and Qi become abundant, and spiritual power permeates the whole body, so that even ordinary blades, spears, and clubs falling on the body can hardly easily damage the skin.

Only by crossing this level can one truly have the capital to stand firm in Family struggles.

When Zhou Wang heard that Jiang Xingshi had chosen Spring Equinox, he immediately began to prepare.

That night, the family genealogy opened without wind.

The firelight of the ink furnace flickered, and a Spring Equinox Qi-guiding technique was slowly written on the genealogy page.

This technique can guide third-grade Spring Equinox Qi.

If one only considers the aura of the Cultivation Technique, it has already surpassed all of the Jiang Family's previous accumulations.

As the Jiang Family took control of Baili Mountain, Luoxi Mouth, and the old Yao Family lands, the range that the family genealogy could perceive was also expanding little by little.

Now, within the entire Hexi region, as long as it falls under the name of the Jiang Clan, Zhou Wang can glimpse many things by borrowing the aura of the family genealogy.

The remaining Cultivation Technique classics of the Luo Family, the Rain Water minor techniques of the Sun Family, the scattered Incomplete Manuals in the old Yao Family treasury, and even the few secret techniques that Ji Hanzhou brought with him when he moved into the Yao territory with his wife Wen Qingli and three Disciples, were all read by Zhou Wang one by one.

He even had the opportunity to write a fourth-grade Spring Equinox Qi-guiding technique.

However, a fourth-grade Qi-guiding technique requires at least High Grade spiritual resources for entry, which the Jiang Family cannot support right now.

The ink glow on the genealogy page gradually stabilized.

Of the ten name slots in the family genealogy, only four remained unclear now.

Lin Suwen said softly, "Xingshi, it is time to go to the back mountain."

Jiang Xingshi came back to his senses and nodded.

The three of them left the ancestral residence and headed towards the back mountain.

There was a Spring Well in the back mountain.

This well was originally just an ordinary mountain spring on Baili Mountain, but later the Jiang Family nourished it with Spring Equinox spiritual resources and buried several Hengchun Stones at the bottom of the well, only then gradually cultivating a well of clear and peaceful spring Qi.

The mouth of the well was surrounded by bluestone, and the crevices were densely covered with moss.

The well water was clear, reflecting the sky above, half-bright and half-dark, just having a hint of the meaning of day and night being equal.

Jiang Shoushan stood by the well and raised his hand to set up a simple protective array.

He still didn't say much, only saying, "Close your eyes."

Jiang Xingshi sat on the cattail mat by the well and slowly closed his eyes.

The spring Qi in the well was stirred up accordingly.

Wisps of Spiritual Qi rose from the surface of the well, slowly circulating around his body.

Jiang Xingshi practiced according to that Spring Equinox Qi-guiding technique.

When the first wisp of Spiritual Qi entered his body, he instinctively felt a trace of nervousness.

But the name slot on the family genealogy lit up slightly.

In his spiritual platform, that bit of nervousness was quickly smoothed away.

When a Cultivator enters the family genealogy to gather Qi and enter the Dao, they naturally have the family genealogy looking after their spiritual platform, and Zhou Wang supporting their aura from the shadows.

As long as their Aptitude isn't so bad that they don't even have the qualification to connect to this breath of Qi, there will almost never be any mistakes.

That wisp of Spring Equinox Qi traveled along his Meridians for one cycle and finally settled into his Dantian.

Jiang Xingshi felt his whole body lighten.

After a long while, he opened his eyes, and there was an extra layer of spiritual light in his eyes.

Lin Suwen smiled.

"It is done."

Jiang Shoushan nodded.

"Level one of Qi Gathering."

Jiang Xingshi looked down at his palms, his expression still a bit dazed.

From this moment on, he was no longer just a junior of the Jiang Family who had not yet entered the Dao.

He was a Cultivator on the family genealogy, and also the new head of the Jiang Family.

When the three of them returned to the vicinity of the ancestral residence, Sun Jingxiu was already waiting on the mountain path.

His aura had been gradually filling up these days, already reaching the Perfection of the third level of Qi Gathering, needing only to go into seclusion to break through to the fourth level.

Seeing Jiang Xingshi return, he first performed a salute, and then handed over a Flying Sword message.

"Family Head, an urgent letter from the east side."

Hearing the words "Family Head," Jiang Xingshi's expression paused slightly.

Sun Jingxiu called it very naturally.

Jiang Shoushan just stood to the side, watching him silently.

Jiang Xingshi reached out to take the Flying Sword message, and after opening it, three noble Family seals appeared on the letter paper.

The Xu Clan of Cangpu, the Jiang Clan of Wangchao, and the Tao Clan of Qingjiao.

The three families sent a joint letter with urgent words.

The letter stated that the southward movement of the various clans in Yanque Circuit had become an unstoppable trend, and the various families on the East Sea side were now repeatedly harassed, with several sea fields, salt marshes, and ferry crossings all falling.

The three families had already sent letters for help to all the clans on the south side of Guli Circuit, hoping that the various clans would understand the principle of "when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold," and go to the east side to help, and survive this situation together.

After reading it, Jiang Xingshi had many thoughts for a moment.

He had just entered the Dao and had just taken over the name of Family Head.

The first letter delivered into his hands was a joint request for help from the three major Foundation Establishment noble families of the east side.

Lin Suwen saw his hesitation and said in a low voice, "Xingshi, no rush."

Jiang Xingshi held the letter paper, silent for a few breaths.

Then, he slowly folded the letter.

"The Jiang Family naturally understands the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold.'"

His voice was a bit nervous at first, but by the second half, it was much steadier.

"But the Jiang Family is still nominally an attached clan of the Gu Clan. The letter from the three eastern families, if it wants us to send troops and people, cannot bypass the main clan."

"I will personally go to Qingwu Terrace to ask for the Gu Clan's attitude."

A hint of worry immediately appeared between Lin Suwen's brows.

"You will go yourself?"

Jiang Xingshi nodded.

"A few days ago, the Qian and Du families attacked Luoxi Mouth, and the Gu Clan did not express their stance."

"If we only send an unimportant person to inquire this time, we might not be able to see the people in the Gu Clan who can truly make decisions. Even if we see them, we might not be able to wait for a definitive answer."

He paused, as if organizing his thoughts.

"I am now the Jiang Family Head."

"The Jiang Family is still listed under the Gu Clan as an attached clan."

"I will personally go to ask for instructions in the capacity of the Family Head; no matter what the Gu Clan's attitude is now, they cannot turn a blind eye."

Lin Suwen asked, "What if the Gu Clan's intentions have already changed?"

Jiang Xingshi said, "Then they won't kill me on Qingwu Terrace."

He looked up at Lin Suwen, his expression steadier than before.

"They can alienate the Jiang Family, they can stop standing up for the Jiang Family, and they can even have other arrangements in secret."

"But at least in name, the Jiang Family is still an attached clan of the Gu Clan. If I visit in person and something happens on the road, the Gu Clan will lose face."

"So I must not only go, but also make the Gu Clan send people to escort me back."

A hint of a smile finally appeared on Jiang Shoushan's originally rigid face.

He thought to himself: Good lad, he really has some of Chengning's likeness.

But on his face, he just nodded.

"It is feasible."

Jiang Xingshi looked at Lin Suwen, "I also ask Aunt to accompany me."

Lin Suwen was slightly stunned.

Jiang Xingshi said, "Aunt has now entered the Middle Stage of Qi Gathering and is familiar with the Family's internal and external affairs. If I say something wrong, you can also correct me."

Lin Suwen looked at him and finally nodded gently.

"Okay."

Jiang Xingshi turned to Sun Jingxiu again.

"Jingxiu, you will go into seclusion today to break through to the fourth level of Qi Gathering."

Jiang Xingshi continued, "I have already had people prepare a few Qi Gathering Pills and Meridian Protecting Powders for you. The Jiang Family's foundation is shallow, and I cannot give you much."

Saying this, there was a hint of apology between his brows.

"I have wronged you."

Sun Jingxiu immediately cupped his hands, his tone urgent, "Family Head, why do you say that!"

"The Sun Family can have today entirely because of the Jiang Family's protection. How the main Family treats us, the whole Sun Family sees it in their eyes; how could there be any deduction or mistreatment?"

He raised his head, his eyes very solemn.

"For Jingxiu to have the opportunity to break through to the Middle Stage is already a blessing I dared not even think of before."

Jiang Xingshi nodded gently.

"That is good."

"After you go down the mountain, go and invite Elder Chen to come over."

"When Aunt and I head to Qingwu Terrace, we still need someone to accompany and escort us on the road."

Sun Jingxiu agreed.

"I will go right now."

After saying this, he immediately turned and went down the mountain.

Jiang Xingshi finally looked at Jiang Shoushan.

"Uncle Shoushan will continue to guard Baili Mountain and Luoxi Mouth."

Jiang Shoushan nodded.

Jiang Xingshi said, "After Aunt and I leave the mountain, the Family's strength will be empty. If the Han and Lu families take advantage of this to cause trouble, Uncle Shoushan does not need to have too many scruples."

"When necessary, you may severely injure another person."

Jiang Shoushan looked at him for a moment and nodded, saying, "Understood."

The mountain wind blew from outside the ancestral residence, carrying the scent of early spring's new grass.

Jiang Xingshi put the letter from the three eastern families back into his sleeve.

Lin Suwen looked at his profile, suddenly feeling a bit dazed in her heart.

In this lineage of Jiang Chengpu, someone has finally started to truly stand in the forefront.